July 11, 2013

Former Mississippi State basketball player Leland Noyal Mitchell was remembered Thursday as being a devoted family man, friend and teammate who had a big heart.
A celebration of the life of Mitchell, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 72, was held at the Welch Funeral Home chapel.
"Although we acknowledge the loss, we honor the life of Leland Mitchell," the Rev. Bob Whiteside said during his opening remarks.
Whiteside and Jimmy Wise spoke about the special character and attitude that Mitchell possessed.
Wise, Mitchell's roommate at Mississippi State, talked about Mitchell being his friend, a friend to many others and also a husband, father, father-in-law, brother and grandfather.
"I've never heard in my lifetime Leland Mitchell say a negative word about a single person and he lived his life that way," Wise said. "He was my roommate and I got to know, love and appreciate him in the four years we were privileged to share here at Mississippi State. He was indeed my friend. The thing that makes a difference is our character, which shows where we really are. Leland Mitchell had the highest love for family, friends and teammates."